Move over Samba, there’s another sneaker stealing the spotlight. While the adidas Samba is certainly deserving of the attention, let’s not forget about another unsung hero in adidas’ lineup: the adidas Campus 00s.

Back in September 2022, the Campus 00s made its debut, but its design roots go way back to the 1970s. Originally known as the adidas Tournament, this low-top basketball shoe was a hit among college and high school athletes. It shook things up with its innovative use of suede, offering a lighter alternative to the popular leather kicks of the time without sacrificing performance. The iconic 3-Stripes branding on the sides and spine overlay helped the adidas Campus make its mark both on and off the court. It even caught the attention of hip-hop artists, with the Beastie Boys being just one of the many who rocked this sneaker as part of their signature style. And across the globe, in Tokyo’s Ura-Harajuku district, the adidas Campus found a loyal following, holding its own alongside the iconic Superstar championed by Run-D.M.C.

But let’s fast-forward a few decades to today. The adidas Campus 00s has evolved over the years, seamlessly blending heritage with modern technology. One standout version was the 1999’s Campus Supreme, taking the performance design to new, chunky heights. While it didn’t gain much traction in Western markets, sneaker enthusiasts in Japan fully embraced its retro-futurist vibes. Now, the adidas Campus 00s carries the same DNA as its “Supreme” predecessor with exaggerated proportions that perfectly capture the Y2K aesthetic that has taken the world by storm. It’s clear that this silhouette has played a crucial role in the resurgence of bulky sneakers, mesh runners, and even football jerseys.

adidas isn’t shy about paying homage to the sources of inspiration for the Campus 00s either. In fact, the product description proudly declares it as “skate-inspired Campus shoes that celebrate iconic materials.” The reimagined model brings suede back into the spotlight, but with a twist. The soft material now covers a more bulbous upper, channeling the old-school chunkiness that was so prevalent in skate shoes during the ’90s and early ’00s. Not only does it pay homage to the past, but it also perfectly complements the baggy tops and bottoms that currently dominate streetwear styles.

But where does the adidas Samba fit into all of this? While the Samba and the Campus 00s may come from the same family tree, they each offer a unique style that caters to different tastes. The Samba is known for its timeless appeal, but the Campus 00s brings an edgier vibe with its chunkier silhouette, thicker midsole, and enhanced arch support. It’s a refreshing alternative that delivers both familiarity and a touch of attitude.

If the adidas Campus 00s has piqued your interest, you’re in luck. There’s a wide range of styles available, all waiting for you at adidas.com/campus00s. Priced at an affordable $110 USD, these sneakers offer incredible value for your sneaker collection. Plus, you’ll even find special editions and collaborations retailing for just $120 USD.

So don’t let the Samba frenzy overshadow the greatness of the adidas Campus 00s. Give credit where credit is due and add a touch of Y2K flair to your sneaker collection. Trust us, your feet will thank you.

[All images via adidas]